Myths about mental disorders | Fusion - WeRIndia

Mental disorders were at one point ignored and disdained throughout society, and many false myths about mental health problems still exist today. A few of them are as follows.

One myth is that some people are impervious to mental health problems on account of rarity. In truth, mental issues are very common.

One in ten people experiencing a period of major depression, and suicide is one of the top causes of all deaths.

Another myth is that children are impervious to mental health problems. As fact, even very young children can show symptoms, even though they are more rarely treated accordingly.

Another myth is that all people with mental disorders are violent and unpredictable. In truth, this is inverted, with people having mental disorders in fact more likely to be attacked than attack.

Most people with disorders are active and productive members of society.

One myth states that people with mental illnesses cannot hold down jobs, when in fact many are employed and produce just the same results as normally functioning individuals.

Another states that it is only weaknesses in character that cause mental illnesses, and people with them only need to get a grip.

This is false, since mental problems may be caused by biological reasons, trauma, or a family history of them.

Some say that there is no help or recovery from mental disorders, when in fact many show great improvement and some recover completely.

Another myth says that there is no need for therapy when pills are available, but the truth depends on the person in question; some are only required to take medication, others only therapy, and still others use both.

Some say that people without mental health problems can never help people with them, but friends and family, in truth, make much difference to people, giving a sense of support.

Lastly, one myth says that there is no way to prevent mental illnesses. In truth, exposing children to the right environment and warning them of the causes of disorders, such as trauma, positively effects the chances of such children not developing mental health issues.

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